Recalls: Slim Fast, Beef and More

Recent disputed concerns about the safety of certain Zhu Zhu pets are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to recent product safety warnings. In addition to the investigation of the ubiquitous hamster toy, weight loss drinks, watermelons, cat food, nasal spray and other products are being recalled due to potential poisoning, bacterial contamination, strangulation and other hazards. Photo Credit: Hugo

Hoodies

What: After several previous recalls, still more hooded sweatshirts are being recalled due to a strangulation hazard posed by drawstrings. Hello Kitty zip-up hoodies that come in black with silver lining in kids’ sizes 2T, 3T, 4, 5, 6 and 6X are being recalled. Printed on the neck label and care label are the numbers D1592H7273 and RN#116180 as well as “NTD APPAREL.” Separately, Sunsations hooded sweatshirts have been recalled also due to potentially hazardous drawstrings. These sweatshirts came in various solid colors in sizes 2T through 12 sold in various solid colors in styles labeled KD102, KD124 and KFS102. Where: The Hello Kitty hooded sweatshirts were sold at Macy’s (Stock Quote: M) and Dillard’s stores nationwide between November 2008 and December 2008 for about $36. The Sunsations sweatshirts were sold at Sunsations stores in Virginia Beach, Va.; Ocean City, Md.; and North Carolina between April 2006 and July 2009 for about $13. More information from the CPSC. Photo Credit: CPSC

Ground Beef

What: An outbreak of Salmonella could be caused by contaminated ground beef, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency has issued a Class I recall of the 22,723 pounds of ground beef, the most serious type of USDA recall, which indicates that the recalled product could cause serious health problems and even death. Where: The recalled beef, produced on Sept. 23 and marked with the establishment number "EST. 31913" were sent to a distribution center in Arizona, but it was further processed and packaged under other brand names. More information from the USDA. Photo Credit: VirtualErn

Slim Fast Drinks

What: Slim Fast ready-to-drink canned products are being recalled due to potential contamination with a micro-organism known as Bacillus cereus which could cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The recall includes all drinks (regardless of flavor, lot code or UPC numbers) that were packaged in paperboard cartons and contained four, six or 12 11-ounce cans. Some of these cans may have been sold individually in some stores. Where: The recalled Slim Fast products, made by Unilever (Stock Quote: UN), were sold nationwide. Unilever will cease shipment of more of these drinks until production problems are identified and corrected, the FDA says. More information from the FDA. Photo Credit: FDA

Watermelons

What: Large seedless watermelons are being recalled by Timco Worldwide due concerns of Salmonella contamination. The recall is limited to those with the “MelonUp!” label with price look-up number 4032 and UPC number 0 33383 40240 6. Additionally, Timco generally advises that all fresh melons be washed before cutting. Where: The recalled watermelons were distributed to certain grocers, wholesalers and processors in California and Texas, the FDA reports. More information from the FDA. Photo Credit: Way Tru

What: Certain lots of Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray are being recalled after reports of bacterial contamination. In the U.S., the potentially-dangerous B. cepacia bacteria was found in 15-ml bottles of Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist. The bacteria could cause serious infections in those with chronic lung infections or compromised immune systems, but shouldn’t cause major problems in healthy users. Where: The recalled nasal spray, with the U.S. lot number 9239028831, may have been distributed nationwide. More information from the FDA. Photo Credit: FDA

ATVs

What: Drivers could lose control when steering certain 2010 model year Can-Am All-Terrain Vehicles, according to the CPSC. Power steering could fail and cause serious injuries and even death. Where: The recalled ATVs were sold nationwide at Authorized Can-Am dealers for $6,800 to $13,500 between August 2009 and November 2009. More information from the CPSC. Photo Credit: CPSC

Zhu Zhu Pets

What: Following questions about whether these popular hamster toys, specifically Mr. Squiggles, should be recalled due to high levels of antimony and tin found by safety ratings group Good Guide, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that the amount of heavy metals in the toys do comply with federal safety guidelines. Antimony can cause eye irritation and, with long-term exposure, it can have negative effects on the lungs and cause dermatitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where: The popular little furry pets are on the Toys “R” Us list of top toys for the holidays, and they’re sold nationwide and online. Their retail price is listed at $10, but because of their popularity, they’ve gone for as much as $60 by some independent online sellers. Photo Credit: toysrus.com